PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In 1978, infamous serial killer Ted Bundy committed what would be his last brutal attack at a sorority house at Florida State University. While his crimes have been studied and analyzed ad nauseam, The Black Mass from actress/director Devanny Pinn takes a unique, and decidedly different approach altogether.
Synopsis
“Inspired by real events, The Black Mass is set over a 24-hour period in Florida during the winter of 1978 when college girls were being stalked by a serial killer.”
Here’s a look at the trailer!
Already established as a versatile and extremely talented actress in the horror genre, Devanny Pinn (The Flood) makes her feature directorial debut with The Black Mass. Having reviewed her first short film, cathARTic a few years back, I knew she had the potential to do great things, given the right vehicle, as she didn’t seem one to shy away from on-screen brutality. Handling co-writing duties with Brandon Slagle (House of Manson) and Eric Pereira (Cloverfield), as well as taking on an acting role, The Black Mass is more than a “coming out party” for the newly minted director. It’s a stylistic statement, giving notice to her peers: step up your game!
Andrew Sykes (Shameless) is the chilling stalker of the girls of Alpha Phi Epsilon. From the killer’s perspective, we see the day unfold, and the flirtations, dry runs, and window peeping eventually lead to a night of depraved violence and murder.
Fleshing out the very capable ensemble cast is a combination of familiar faces like: Lisa Wilcox (A Nightmare on Elm St. 4: The Dream Master), Susan Lanier (The Hills Have Eyes), Eileen Dietz (RZ’s Halloween II), Jennifer Wenger (Tales of Halloween), and Kathleen Kinmont (Bride of Re Animator), with relatively new names like: Sarah Nicklin (The Retaliators), Eva Hamilton (Mutilator 2), Chelsea Gibson (Lucifer)and Brittany Ayona Clemons (Rap Shit).
A slow, deliberate start isn’t spent on the normal character development that you’d expect. Instead, the methodic depiction of the 24-hour span is used to ratchet up the tension, dread, and “creep factor.” Brilliant use of music (which chillingly drops out completely during some of the murders) and cinematography, particularly with the very giallo-esque POV shots, and detached feel, give The Black Mass a decidedly “cinema verite” look. For anyone even remotely familiar with Bundy’s crimes, you know there’s not a happy ending in sight.
The killer’s psycho-sexual hallucination set pieces add to the overall eeriness, and a voyeuristic viewing experience, culminating in the unflinching look at the inevitable ultra-violent conclusion making The Black Mass one of those films that stay with you for a while after it’s over. Pinn, with a seemingly healthy respect for the “real life” subject matter, delicately and deftly avoids “exploitation” territory, by never wallowing in gory excess and instead presenting a coolly detached theme that comes off as way more entertaining than clinical.
Sykes, as Bundy, brings a creepy authenticity to the role, and Nicklin’s on-screen death is the best I’ve seen in quite a while, the entire cast definitely brings their A-game!
Chilling, tense, and visually stunning, The Black Mass is a unique, fresh take on the humdrum serial killer film that has a distinct aesthetic hook to it. Pinn’s feature debut is a stylistic achievement in indie filmmaking that’s definitely going to make some waves.
Can a director have a “signature” right out of the gate? Check it out and decide for yourself. It has style for miles (Hey! That rhymed!)!
Cleopatra Entertainment/MVD Visual’s The Black Mass Blu-ray will be available on 2/27/2024 at all fine retailers.
